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Magistrate hire OK’d

Staff Writer
WAYNESFIELD — Here comes the judge.
Waynesfield Village Council members approved a resolution hiring a magistrate Monday, paving the way for village officials to begin paperwork to reinstate mayor’s court in the village.
Police Chief Nathan Motter asked councilors to approve the hiring and to approve a fine schedule for traffic violations, a move councilors passed unanimously by a 6-0 vote.
The magistrate approved was attorney Robert Gryzbowski, who is also the magistrate for the village of Cridersville.
The last village magistrate was Wapakoneta attorney Robert Kehoe, who was paid a $500 retainer per year and $150 per hour to hear cases.
During his report to village officials, Motter said the hiring of a magistrate and reinstatement of mayor’s court would allow him to start the process, including paperwork with the state, putting applicable ordinances in place, getting supplies and training staff.
Motter made the suggestion to reinstate mayor’s court to the village at the April council meeting. The village last had mayor’s court 14 years ago, but they ended mayor’s court after the process to hear cases was no longer financial feasible under state law.
Motter said enough stops are being made for it again to be a worthwhile action for the community.
Councilors heard from Russells Point mayor at the April meeting about how successful mayor’s court has been in her village.
While hardly a cash windfall, Motter estimated it would generate approximately $12,000 annually for the village.